The 10 Greatest Champions League Winners!

The UEFA Champions League, widely regarded as the most prestigious tournament in club football, is where Europe's giants shine. Founded in 1955, the competition has seen more than 500 clubs participate, but only a select few have etched their names into the gallery of champions. Winning the “Big Ears” is more than just a title — it is a historic achievement.

With data updated as of 04/04/2025, here are the 10 greatest Champions League winners!

10 - Benfica

The Portuguese giants have won the Champions League twice, in the 1960–61 and 1961–62 seasons, with the legendary Eusébio leading the line.

Despite losing five other finals, the club still ranks among Europe’s elite. Benfica opens our list, ahead of Porto, Chelsea and Nottingham Forest based on most finals reached.

9 - Juventus

The “Old Lady” of Italy won the Champions League in 1984–85 and 1995–96, but also holds an unwanted record with seven runners-up finishes — the most of any club.

Nevertheless, Juventus remains one of Europe’s most consistent clubs, with stars like Del Piero, Buffon, and Zidane making a lasting impact on the tournament.

8 - Manchester United

The Red Devils lifted the trophy in 1967–68, 1998–99 (after a dramatic comeback against Bayern Munich), and 2007–08. With Sir Alex Ferguson at the helm and legends like Cristiano Ronaldo, Giggs, and Scholes on the pitch, United established themselves among Europe’s giants.

7 - Inter Milan

Three-time champions: 1963–64, 1964–65, and 2009–10. The last triumph marked Inter’s treble under José Mourinho.

The side featuring Sneijder, Eto’o, and Milito was unstoppable that year and became part of the club’s folklore.

6 - Ajax

The Netherlands’ biggest club has won the title four times: 1970–71, 1971–72, 1972–73, and 1994–95. Johan Cruyff was the mastermind behind their three consecutive triumphs in the 1970s, while the 1995 victory featured a talented new generation, including Seedorf, Kluivert, and Davids. Ajax remains one of the greatest talent factories in world football.

5 - Barcelona

Five Champions League titles: 1991–92, 2005–06, 2008–09, 2010–11, and 2014–15. The golden era was driven by Messi, Xavi, and Iniesta, with breathtaking football and European dominance. Neymar Jr. starred in the 2015 final, scoring in the win over Juventus.

4 - Liverpool

The team from the Beatles’ city triumphed in 1976–77, 1977–78, 1980–81, 1983–84, 2004–05 (with an epic comeback against Milan), and 2018–19. Liverpool are synonymous with passion and tradition in the Champions League, with the 2005 Istanbul final rated among the greatest matches ever.

3 - Bayern Munich

Six titles: 1973–74, 1974–75, 1975–76, 2000–01, 2012–13, and 2019–20. Bayern are the only team to have won the Champions League with a 100% record (2019–20). The German giants are renowned for their consistency, featuring stars like Beckenbauer, Müller, Lahm, and Lewandowski across the eras.

2 - Milan

Seven-time champions: 1962–63, 1968–69, 1988–89, 1989–90, 1993–94, 2002–03, and 2006–07. Milan have dazzled in many eras, but the 1994 final stands out — a 4–0 demolition of Barcelona. Legends such as Maldini, Kaká, and Shevchenko have left an indelible mark.

Paolo Maldini, an enduring icon, played 139 Champions League matches, making him one of history’s greatest defenders. Milan also hold the record for reaching three consecutive finals (1993, 1994, and 1995).

1 - Real Madrid

The kings of the Champions League! With an astonishing 15 titles, Real Madrid have dominated European football since the 1950s. They won the first five editions and added more: 1965–66, 1997–98, 1999–00, 2001–02, 2013–14, 2015–16, 2016–17, 2017–18, 2021–22, and 2023–24.

The trio of Cristiano Ronaldo, Benzema, and Bale secured an unprecedented three-peat in the modern era. CR7 is the tournament’s all-time top scorer, with 141 goals.

Moreover, Real Madrid are known for epic comebacks, including the famous semi-final against Manchester City in 2022. They are a team never to be underestimated — simply “born” to win the Champions League.

The Champions League is more than a competition — it is a stage where legends are made, fans fall in love, and unforgettable stories unfold. Real Madrid, Milan, Liverpool… each club on this list has its own epic saga.

If you love football, following the Champions League is almost a yearly tradition. After all, you never know when a new historic chapter will be written — or when a new name will join this list of giants.

Which of these clubs is your favorite? And who will be the next to lift the “Big Ears”? Let’s watch and find out!